This has been a strange year so far.
It’s been tragic for anyone directly impacted by the virus. And
it’s been frustrating for those of us keen to get back to our
pre-COVID life.
At the end of June
we’re unable to restart our normal activities on no. 2807. The
indications are that it will be at least August before we can get
back to work. The railway is restarting operational activities
preparing for a re-opening during August. The railway’s priority
is reopening, and not locomotive maintenance.
Fortunately for us,
we were able to get our boiler to Riley & Son before the
lockdown, and they have indicated to us that they are re-starting
work in a limited way. The foundation ring has received attention,
and the smokebox has been removed from the boiler barrel. So it’s
not all doom and gloom. And some of our volunteers have been
carrying on with their ‘homework’, working on parts of the
locomotive that they took home before lockdown.
Meanwhile there’s
still been plenty to do. We still have a company to operate,
Cotswold Steam Preservation Ltd (CSPL). CSPL owns no. 2807, which is
why it is possible to purchase shares in the locomotive, and a team
of volunteers keep the company running.
Much of the work is
not dissimilar to any other UK company. We have a chairman (Brian
G), a secretary (Gilbert K), and a treasurer (Roger M). The
remainder of the board is made up of Geof A, Fred L, Stuart F, John
G, Ingo S, and myself. The directors of the company are Brian, Fred,
Geof, Gilbert, John, Stuart, and myself.
The board members
look after such things as publicity, marketing, engineering, siphon
restoration, and internet presence. Other members of the team are
David S who is responsible for health and safety, Andy B the “2807
News” editor, Sue S who looks after friends of 2807, and Karen F
who looks after the 100 club. So operating a locomotive isn’t just
about the engineering side, there’s a commercial side to it as
well.
Having said that,
many of these people are also directly involved in the maintenance
and support of 2807, and there are ten to fifteen additional members
of the maintenance/support team. Some are also involved with our
charity, “The Freight Locomotive Association”.
Something else
that’s been ongoing during the lockdown is boot scraper sales.
Some of you will know about our boot scrapers, and they remain as
popular as ever. They are available via online sales despite
lockdown. To find out more please follow the “Our Shop” link
from our web site, www.GWR2807.co.uk, or email Roger M at
treasurer.GWR2807@outlook.com.
Keep safe
Steve